POLOKWANE – Limpopo will be out in force when 43 fencers travel to Bloemfontein this weekend (August 28) to compete in the Free State National Open, bringing together one of the province’s strongest representations at a national ranking competition.

The Limpopo squad includes 19 fencers from the E Tla Natšo (ETN) youth development project, fencers from the University of Limpopo (UL), 4 from Sello Maduma Fencing Academy (SMFA) and one from Firebirds Fencing Club.

First-time competitors

For some of the athletes the trip will be about much more than competing for medals.

For the province’s u/17 fencers of the ETN project, this will be their first ever competition, marking an important milestone in their development as competitive athletes.

Six ETN fencers will also have the opportunity to experience foil competition at this national event for the first time, adding another exciting dimension to their fencing journey.

Ranking points at stake

The Free State Open is also a national ranking competition, meaning there will be plenty at stake as experienced fencers battle for valuable ranking points.

The competition promises fierce action on the piste, with particularly intense clashes of epee as athletes fight for their positions in the national rankings.

Familiar names return

Limpopo will also welcome back two familiar names to the provincial squad, with Jamie Norval and Rahul van Manen returning to represent the province in all three weapons.

Support from Limpopo Sports Confederation

Renuka Ramroop, chairperson of the Limpopo Fencing Association (LFA) said the fencers’ experience and competitive strength will add to an already strong Limpopo contingent.

“For the LFA, the significance of the trip extends beyond the results on the scoreboard. It represents another step in building a sustainable fencing pathway in the province – from introducing young people to the sport, to developing them through competition and ultimately creating opportunities for athletes to compete at national and international level,” Ramroop said.

The trip for 22 of the squad is being made possible with the assistance of the Limpopo Sports Confederation, whose support has enabled the athletes to travel to Bloemfontein and, importantly, to have the opportunity to compete for national ranking points.

LFA extends its sincere appreciation to the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) for supporting the ETN project since its inception.

“With 43 athletes taking to the piste, from first-time competitors to established national-level fencers, we highly believe that Limpopo will be ready to make its mark in Bloemfontein.”